Gwinnett College Students Provide Free Massages to Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»Ó³Av Community
As Saint Augustine’s University (Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»Ó³Av) continues to persevere through its challenges, the Gwinnett Colleges & Institute (Gwinnett College) students from the Raleigh campus arrived at Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»Ó³Av with a heartwarming mission. In preparation for midterms and with a heart for wellness, these compassionate students offered free massages to the Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»Ó³Av faculty, staff, and students.
“Amidst our challenges, the selfless act of the Gwinnett College students has brought a beacon of hope and wellness to our campus,†said Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»Ó³Av Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “The generosity and compassion embodied in their actions have left an indelible mark on our community, allowing us to face our future endeavors with a renewed spirit.â€
The event saw 16 student therapists from Gwinnett College sharing their expertise and providing pro-bono massage services to the Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»Ó³Av community, delivering a total value of approximately $4,000. With each therapist contributing their skills at $60 per hour, the collective effort brought a sense of rejuvenation and care to the Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»Ó³Av campus.
“I believe in HBCUs,†said Shantael Maynor, Massage Chair of Gwinnett College. “I thought this would be great for the students and staff morale.â€
According to the , massage therapy effectively relieves stress. In addition, massage therapy boosts while lowering levels of cortisol at the same time.
“I felt like we needed this,†said Branden McGhee, a sophomore majoring in psychology from New York, NY. “I’ve seen many classmates here, and I appreciate it. With so much going on this week in school during midterm week, it was the perfect time.â€
Furthermore, , students can improve mood, classroom attention, and focus with regular massage therapy. The American Massage Therapy Association also reports that headaches, especially , frequently get in the way of study and sleep, with up to 30-50% of young people suffering from regular headaches.
“The massages provided by the Gwinnett College students were a great stress reliever,†said Alaysia Lane, a junior majoring in theatre from Washington, DC. “Now I feel like I can complete my midterms and 10-page papers. I feel great.â€
Today’s massage session marked the fourth occasion this year that the Gwinnett College students have ventured to the Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»Ó³Av campus, showcasing their dedication to fostering wellness. While initially focusing on providing services to Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»Ó³Av’s student-athletes, these remarkable students expanded their generosity by extending their services to benefit the entire Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»Ó³Av community.
“With all the stress that’s been going on in school and everything and in the world, the massages rejuvenated me,†said Christen Roye, a sophomore exercise science major from Miami, FL. “I think the Gwinnett College students did very well, and I hope they proceed to do great things in their studies.â€
As Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»Ó³Av remains steadfast in its mission to provide a nurturing environment for its students and staff, the support and care extended by the Gwinnett College students serve as a testament to the power of community and the collective pursuit of well-being.
“During midterms week, I thought it was a perfect break for our student-athletes to get off their feet and receive massages to help them in the classroom and out in the field,†said Âé¶¹ÊÓ´«Ã½»Ó³Av Strength and Conditioning Coach Kevin Moroney. “Today’s session with Gwinnett College was open to the entire campus community. Their students were hospitable to us and did a great job.â€
to learn more about Gwinnett College’s Raleigh campus.